Rosberg shrugs off Hamilton jibe

Nico Rosberg has shrugged off Lewis Hamilton's suggestion he is not a true German ahead of F1's arrival at Hockenheim in two weeks' time.

Hamilton joked with the British press that Rosberg, who was born in Wiesbaden and races under the German flag, is not a true German because he grew up in Monaco. But Rosberg said the jibe has been blown out of proportion and, in any case, did not bother him.

"I was actually there at the stage when he said that, and it was actually the person interviewing who did those questions. Lewis didn't really answer much to them. Anyway, what do you want me to say? Everybody can judge however they want.

He added: "I didn't grow up in Germany so I suppose I'm not as German as he is British, but I consider myself 100% German."

Rosberg said he had felt like he had been supported at the British Grand Prix regardless of his nationality and is hoping for more of the same in Germany.

"I hope I get a lot of support, but even the British crowd has been great because, yeah, they've supported Lewis but I got all the respect, and that was really nice to see. I could enjoy the great atmosphere they brought to the race track."